Triggering type and long-term survival following ST segment elevation-myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Background Physical and emotional stress are recognized triggers of acute coronary syndromes, including ST segment elevation-myocardial infarction (STEMI). We have previously shown that identifiable triggers precede symptoms in over one-third of STEMI patients and inversely correlate with the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aims to investigate the association between trigger type (physical vs. emotional) and long-term mortality in STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods This retrospective, single-center observational study included all patients admitted with an STEMI diagnosis from January 2008 to December 2013. Physical and emotional triggers were identified retrospectively from patient records. Mortality data were obtained from the Israeli Ministry of Health. Results Of 1345 consecutive STEMI patients treated with primary PCI, mortality data were available for 1267 patients (median age: 61 years). A trigger preceding symptoms onset was identified in 36.5% of patients, with 85% experiencing physical stress and 15% emotional stress. Triggered STEMI patients tended to be younger with fewer comorbidities and lower incidence of multiple vessel CAD compared with nontriggered patients. Notably, emotionally triggered STEMI patients exhibited improved long-term survival compared with those without emotional triggers or with physical triggers. Emotional triggering was identified as an independent predictor of enhanced long-term survival post-PCI compared with physical triggering. Conclusion Patients with emotionally triggered STEMI showed less extensive CAD and improved long-term survival following PCI compared with those with physically triggered STEMI. These findings highlight the importance of considering both the presence and type of trigger in the management of STEMI patients and their long-term prognosis.